Best Plywood Brands in India 2026: Top 20 Companies Ranked

Quick Answer

The best plywood brands in India for 2026 include established market leaders like Century Ply, Greenply, and Kitply alongside rising premium players such as Austin Plywood, Duroply, and Kajaria Ply. Your ideal choice depends on application (dry interiors vs moisture-prone areas), budget range, and local dealer availability in your city or region.

At a Glance: Key Takeaways

• Century Ply and Greenply together command over 50% of India's organized plywood market share
• The organized sector now holds approximately 62% market share, making branded plywood increasingly accessible
• BWP (Boiling Water Proof) and fire-retardant grades are the fastest-growing segments in 2026
• Price ranges from ₹40–60 per sq ft for commercial grade to ₹150+ per sq ft for premium BWP marine plywood
• Most top brands now offer 15–25 year warranties on their premium product lines
• ISI certification (IS 303 for BWP, IS 710 for Marine) remains the most reliable quality indicator

Understanding the Best Plywood Brands in India: Market Overview 2026

The Indian plywood industry has undergone significant transformation, with the market valued at approximately ₹247 billion in 2025 and projected to grow steadily. The shift from unorganized to organized players is perhaps the most important trend for buyers to understand—it directly impacts quality consistency, warranty enforcement, and after-sales service availability.

Major brands like Century Plyboards, Greenply Industries, Duroply, Merino, and Greenpanel continue to dominate the organized sector through extensive dealer networks, product innovation, and brand-building exercises. The introduction of mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCO) in 2025 requiring plywood to meet defined Indian standards has further strengthened organized players while challenging substandard imports and local unbranded manufacturers.

What Defines a Top Plywood Brand?

In practical Indian market terms, the best plywood brands distinguish themselves through several measurable factors: consistent veneer quality across batches, reliable bonding that survives monsoon humidity cycles, genuine BIS certification compliance, accessible dealer networks across cities and towns, and warranty claims that are actually honored. Technology additions like termite-treatment, borer-proofing, and low formaldehyde emissions (E0/E1 grades) have become differentiators in the premium segment.

Regional presence matters significantly in India. A brand with strong North India distribution may have limited penetration in South Indian markets, affecting both availability and pricing. Coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata typically see higher demand for marine-grade and BWP plywood due to humidity concerns, while interior cities may find MR-grade sufficient for most applications.

Top 20 Plywood Companies in India: Comprehensive Ranking 2026

This ranking considers factors relevant to end-users: product quality consistency, price-value proposition, dealer network strength, warranty reliability, and customer feedback patterns across Indian markets. The categorization helps buyers identify brands matching their specific needs and budget brackets.

Tier 1: Market Leaders (Premium Segment)

1. Century Plyboards – Headquartered in Kolkata with operations since 1986, Century Ply commands approximately 29% market share in the organized plywood segment. Known for innovations like ViroKill (germ-killing technology) and Firewall (fire-retardant) products, the brand offers comprehensive ranges from MR to marine-grade plywood. Their calibrated plywood is particularly popular for modular kitchen applications requiring CNC machining precision.

2. Greenply Industries – Established in 1990, Greenply holds approximately 26% of the organized market and pioneered E0 (zero-emission) plywood in India. The brand is recognized for eco-friendly manufacturing and FSC-certified facilities. Greenply's fire-retardant plywood with Polymer Encapsulation Nanotechnology offers up to 90 minutes of fire resistance.

3. Duroply Industries – Operating since 1957 (rebranded 1966), Duroply represents the premium heritage segment. The brand holds FSC certification and introduced European Beech plywood in India. Their Techply range offers ready-to-use plywood with veneer-like finish, eliminating lamination requirements.

Tier 2: Established Premium Brands

4. Kitply Industries – One of India's oldest plywood manufacturers (founded 1982) with 5 factories and over 300 dealers nationwide. Kitply offers reliable quality at competitive pricing, making it popular among budget-conscious buyers seeking branded reliability.

5. Austin Plywood – The only Indian brand approved by BS 1088 Lloyds certification from London, UK. Austin exports to over 25 countries and offers up to 25-year warranty on premium ranges.

6. Merino Industries – Established in 1965 in Uttar Pradesh, Merino began as a plywood manufacturer before diversifying into laminates, doors, and vinyl flooring. Known for technology-driven manufacturing and consistent quality.

7. Kajaria Ply – A subsidiary of Kajaria Ceramics (India's largest tile manufacturer), launched in 2018. Offers premium waterproof plywood with 25-year warranty and GCP (Glued Core Protection) technology. Price ranges from ₹60–100 per sq ft.

Tier 3: Value-Premium and Regional Leaders

8. Archidply Industries – Pioneered low formaldehyde emission plywood in India (2008). Based in Delhi with exports to 20+ countries. Known for WPC boards and hybrid products.

9. Sylvan Plyboard – With over 70 years of history, Sylvan has integrated CNC and automation in manufacturing. Known for moisture resistance and durability in high-humidity applications.

10. National Plywood Industries – Over 60 years of expertise, strong distribution in Eastern India. Offers range from economy to premium grades.

11. Uniply Industries – Global player offering blockboards, veneers, laminates, and doors. Strategic collaboration with Vector Projects for infrastructure solutions.

12. Greenpanel Industries – Primarily an MDF manufacturer but increasingly relevant in the plywood segment through continuous product innovation.

Tier 4: Regional and Emerging Brands

13. Trojan Ply – Manufacturing facility near Mangalore with Core-Protection Technology. Prices range ₹107–190 per sq ft for 19mm sheets.

14. Royale Touche – Premium brand offering marine-grade and decorative plywood with lifetime warranty claims.

15. Saburi Ply – Kolkata-based manufacturer with 20+ years of experience, known for Gurjan and hardwood core veneers.

16. Gattani Plywood – Assam-based manufacturer serving North-Eastern and Eastern markets since 1991.

17. Prestige Plywood – Kerala-based with exports of film-faced plywood. Strong in South Indian markets.

18. Oswin Plywood – Chennai-based ISI-certified manufacturer with focus on international quality standards.

19. SRG Plywood – Known for high strength and finish, preferred for heavy-duty applications.

20. Haren Ply – Rising Uttar Pradesh-based manufacturer offering waterproof, hardwood, Gurjan, and HDHMR plywood.

Plywood Types and Grades: Choosing the Right Variant

Understanding plywood grades is essential for matching product specifications to your application requirements. The confusion between commercial terminology and BIS standards often leads to inappropriate selection.

Grade Classification Based on Moisture Resistance

MR (Moisture Resistant) Grade – Bonded with urea formaldehyde resin, suitable for dry interior applications like bedroom furniture and living room cabinets. Not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms. Typically the most affordable option.

BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) Grade – Uses melamine-urea formaldehyde resin, offering improved moisture resistance. Suitable for semi-humid areas but not for direct water contact.

BWP (Boiling Water Proof) Grade – Bonded with phenol formaldehyde resin (IS 710 compliant), this grade withstands prolonged moisture exposure. Mandatory for kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and any application in coastal or high-humidity regions.

Marine Grade – The highest water-resistance rating, designed for boat-building standards. Uses superior veneers with minimal voids and phenolic bonding. Premium pricing but essential for outdoor furniture and flood-prone areas.

Special Application Grades

Fire-retardant plywood commands premium pricing (₹2,800–3,200 per sheet for 18mm) but is increasingly required for commercial kitchens, hospitality projects, and residential fire-safety compliance. Calibrated plywood—precision-sanded to exact thickness tolerances—is essential for modular furniture and CNC-machined components where dimensional accuracy matters.

Comparison Table: Top 10 Plywood Brands in India

Brand	Established	Headquarters	Key Strength	Price Range (₹/sq ft)	Warranty (Premium Range)	Best For
Century Ply	1986	Kolkata	ViroKill technology, widest range	70–180	Up to 25 years	Modular kitchens, premium interiors
Greenply	1990	Kolkata	E0 emission, eco-friendly	65–170	Up to 25 years	Health-conscious buyers, green buildings
Duroply	1957	Kolkata	European Beech, FSC certified	80–200	Up to 20 years	Luxury interiors, architect projects
Kitply	1982	Assam	Pan-India network, value pricing	55–140	Up to 15 years	Budget residential projects
Austin Plywood	2006	Kolkata	BS 1088 Lloyds certified	70–190	Up to 25 years	Export-quality requirements
Merino	1965	Uttar Pradesh	Technology integration	65–160	Up to 20 years	Commercial and residential furniture
Kajaria Ply	2018	Delhi	GCP technology, Kajaria backing	60–150	25 years	Premium residential, climatic adaptability
Archidply	1976	Delhi	Low formaldehyde pioneer	60–145	Up to 18 years	Health-conscious, hospitality
Sylvan Ply	1950s	Mumbai	CNC/automation, heritage brand	65–155	Up to 20 years	Modern modular furniture
National Plywood	1951	Kolkata	Oldest brand, economy to premium	50–130	Up to 15 years	Eastern India, budget projects

How to Choose the Best Plywood Brand for Your Project

Selecting the right plywood brand requires matching your specific requirements with available options. This decision framework addresses the common mistakes Indian buyers make when purchasing plywood.

Decision Criteria Checklist

• Application assessment: Kitchen/bathroom requires BWP minimum; dry bedrooms can use MR grade
• Thickness matching: 18–19mm for carcass work, 12mm for internal shelves, 6–9mm for backing
• Regional humidity factor: Coastal cities and high-rainfall areas need BWP even for wardrobes
• Carpenter skill level: Calibrated plywood recommended if using modular/CNC processes
• Budget allocation: Plywood typically accounts for 25–35% of furniture project cost
• Dealer proximity: After-sales service and warranty claims require accessible authorized dealers
• Verify ISI marking: Check actual BIS stamp on sheets, not just dealer claims

When NOT to Choose Premium Brands

Premium branded plywood may not be necessary for temporary construction, shuttering applications (use shuttering-specific plywood instead), concealed structural elements where aesthetics don't matter, or extremely budget-constrained projects where local unbranded plywood from reputable mills may suffice. However, never compromise on grade (BWP/Marine) for moisture-prone applications regardless of brand choice—water damage from inadequate plywood is irreversible and costlier than the initial savings.

Carpenter's Perspective

Experienced carpenters often have brand preferences based on workability factors invisible to end-users: how cleanly the plywood cuts, edge quality after sawing, screw-holding capacity, surface readiness for laminate application, and consistency across sheets. Calibrated plywood from top brands shows minimal thickness variation (±0.2mm), while unbranded material may vary by 1–2mm, causing alignment problems in modular furniture. Before finalizing any brand, consulting your carpenter about their working experience with specific products can prevent execution issues.

Price Guide: Plywood Rates in India 2026

Plywood prices in India vary significantly based on grade, thickness, brand tier, and city. The following ranges represent typical market rates for 8×4 feet sheets in metro cities (adjust 5–15% higher for Tier-2/3 cities due to transport costs).

Price Ranges by Grade and Thickness

Plywood Type	6mm (₹/sq ft)	12mm (₹/sq ft)	18-19mm (₹/sq ft)	18mm Sheet Price (₹)
Commercial MR Grade	40–55	55–75	70–95	1,500–1,800
BWR Grade	50–70	70–95	85–115	1,800–2,200
BWP Grade (IS 710)	60–85	85–120	100–150	2,200–2,800
Marine Grade Premium	75–100	100–150	130–190	2,600–3,500
Fire Retardant	90–120	120–160	150–200	2,800–3,200

What Causes Price Variation

Raw material quality: Gurjan face veneers cost more than mixed hardwood; core veneer quality affects pricing significantly.

Brand premium: Top 5 brands typically command 15–25% premium over equivalent-grade mid-tier brands due to quality consistency and warranty reliability.

Regional factors: GST has narrowed the price gap between branded and unbranded plywood from 25–30% to approximately 10–15%, making branded options more competitive. Transport costs add 5–12% in distant markets.

Special treatments: Termite-treatment, borer-proofing, fire-retardant chemicals, and E0-grade low-emission manufacturing add ₹5–20 per sq ft to base pricing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Plywood

Even experienced buyers make errors that result in premature furniture failure, warranty disputes, or budget overruns. These are the most common pitfalls observed in Indian markets.

Critical Buying Mistakes

1. Choosing MR grade for kitchen cabinets: Despite dealer assurances, MR plywood will delaminate in kitchen humidity within 2–3 years. Always insist on BWP grade minimum for any kitchen application.

2. Ignoring ISI stamp verification: Many dealers claim ISI certification without actual BIS compliance. Check the physical stamp on each sheet—it should mention IS 303 (BWP) or IS 710 (Marine) with manufacturer license number.

3. Accepting 18mm when 19mm is quoted: Trade naming confusion between 18mm and 19mm is common. Measure actual thickness; the 1mm difference affects furniture fitting and indicates possible substitution.

4. Overlooking calibration for modular work: Non-calibrated plywood with uneven thickness causes problems in CNC-machined modular furniture. Specify calibrated plywood for any machine-processed applications.

5. Buying based on face veneer only: A beautiful face veneer can hide inferior core construction. Check core layers for voids, overlaps, and wood quality by examining sheet edges.

6. Neglecting regional humidity requirements: Buyers moving from dry inland cities (Delhi, Ahmedabad) to coastal areas (Mumbai, Chennai) often underestimate humidity impact. BWP grade becomes essential in coastal applications even for wardrobes.

Quick Inspection Checks

• Weight test: Heavier plywood typically indicates denser core and better quality
• Edge inspection: Check for voids, gaps, and overlapping veneers in core layers
• Surface knock test: Hollow sound indicates voids or poor bonding
• Flex test: Quality plywood returns to shape; poor quality shows permanent bend
• Moisture meter reading: Should be below 12% for properly seasoned plywood
• Stamp verification: Match BIS stamp details with brand documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which plywood brand is best in India for 2026?

Century Ply and Greenply lead the Indian market with approximately 29% and 26% organized market share respectively. Century Ply offers the widest product range with technologies like ViroKill and Firewall, while Greenply leads in eco-friendly E0 emission plywood. For premium luxury applications, Duroply's European Beech range offers superior aesthetics. The "best" brand ultimately depends on your specific application—for budget residential projects, Kitply offers reliable quality at competitive pricing, while Kajaria Ply provides premium quality with strong parent company backing for warranty assurance.

What is the full form of BWP plywood?

BWP stands for Boiling Water Proof plywood. This grade uses phenol formaldehyde resin as bonding agent, conforming to IS 710 specifications. BWP plywood can withstand prolonged exposure to moisture, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor furniture, and any application in high-humidity environments. The manufacturing process involves treating veneers with waterproof adhesive and curing under high pressure and temperature. BWP is different from BWR (Boiling Water Resistant), which uses melamine-urea formaldehyde and offers lower moisture resistance.

Which is better: Century Ply or Greenply?

Both are top-tier brands with comparable quality standards. Century Ply leads in product innovation with ViroKill (germ-killing) and Firewall (fire-retardant) technologies, plus a slightly wider distribution network. Greenply excels in eco-friendly manufacturing with E0 (zero formaldehyde emission) plywood and FSC-certified sustainable sourcing. For modular kitchens requiring fire safety, Century Ply's Firewall range has an edge. For health-conscious buyers prioritizing indoor air quality, Greenply's E0 products are preferable. Price-wise, both are comparable within ±5% for equivalent grades.

What is the price of 18mm plywood in India?

For an 8×4 feet sheet of 18mm plywood, prices typically range from ₹1,500–1,800 for commercial MR grade, ₹1,800–2,200 for BWR grade, ₹2,200–2,800 for BWP grade, and ₹2,600–3,500 for premium marine grade from top brands. Per square foot, this translates to ₹70–95 for MR, ₹85–115 for BWR, and ₹100–150 for BWP grade. Prices vary by city (metros are typically 5–10% cheaper than Tier-2 cities), brand tier, and dealer margins. Fire-retardant 18mm plywood commands premium pricing at ₹2,800–3,200 per sheet.

Is plywood good for kitchen cabinets in India?

Plywood is the preferred material for kitchen cabinets in India when the correct grade is selected. BWP (Boiling Water Proof) grade plywood conforming to IS 710 is essential for kitchen applications due to moisture exposure from cooking steam, sink splashes, and humidity. MR grade will fail within 2–3 years in typical Indian kitchen conditions. For modular kitchens, calibrated BWP plywood ensures dimensional accuracy for hardware fitting. In coastal cities like Mumbai or Chennai, marine-grade plywood provides additional protection. Avoid particle board or MDF for areas near sinks or stoves regardless of cost considerations.

How to check plywood quality before buying?

Verify the ISI marking on each sheet—look for IS 303 (BWP) or IS 710 (Marine) stamps with manufacturer license numbers. Inspect sheet edges for voids, gaps, or overlapping veneers in core layers. Perform a weight test—heavier sheets typically indicate denser, better-quality cores. Tap the surface; hollow sounds indicate voids or poor bonding. Check thickness with a measuring tape (18mm should be close to 18mm, not 17mm). For premium purchases, request moisture meter readings (should be below 12%). Ask for brand documentation and match with physical stamps. Purchase only from authorized dealers to ensure warranty validity.

Which plywood is best for humid coastal areas?

For coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Kochi where humidity consistently exceeds 70%, BWP grade minimum is recommended for all furniture applications—including wardrobes that might use MR grade in drier inland cities. For bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinets, and balcony furniture, marine-grade plywood offers the highest protection. Look for brands with specific humid-climate treatments: Century Ply's coastal range, Greenply's marine grade with fungal resistance, and Austin Plywood (BS 1088 certified for marine applications). Termite-treatment becomes especially important in coastal areas where wood-boring insects are more prevalent.

Do all top plywood brands offer warranties in India?

Most established plywood brands offer warranties ranging from 10–25 years on their premium product lines. However, warranty terms vary significantly: some cover only delamination, others include termite/borer damage. Key factors affecting warranty validity include: purchasing from authorized dealers (required for warranty claims), retaining original bills, following installation guidelines, and using appropriate grade for the application (using MR grade in kitchen typically voids warranty). Century Ply, Greenply, Austin, and Kajaria Ply offer up to 25-year warranties on top ranges. Always read warranty documents for exclusions and claim procedures before purchasing.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes based on industry practices and publicly available information. Product specifications, standards, prices, and availability may vary by manufacturer, region, and time. Readers should independently verify details with manufacturers, dealers, or qualified professionals before making purchase or construction decisions.